What is it?

I've been collecting unusual objects for quite a while, and several years ago I started posting them on this site as puzzles for visitors to figure out what they are. Most of the items are mine but a few belong to others, if you aren't interested in tools there are plenty of other type objects that have also been posted.

For first time visitors I recommend this archive for a wide variety of some of my best pieces.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Set 174

1007. 11" long:






Another version of the same device:

From John Sindelar's collection


Click here to see a larger image.













1008. The part on the left is about 18" long:

Larger image













1009. 12-1/2" tall, made of silver and brass, from Germany
circa 1652:



Larger image
When viewing the enlarged photo it might be necessary to click on the picture to increase its size, also try hitting the F11 key to get a larger viewing area.


Larger image











1010. The word on the second line gave away the answer so a couple of its letters were removed, 13" long:



From Jim Brown's collection.











1011. 15" wide, pivoting the handle 180 degrees raises the upper part about 1":












1012. 16" tall, made in Europe around 1700, take a look at Neatorama on Thursday for more guesses on this one:







Larger image

Close-up #1

Close-up #2

Close-up #3








Answers
























Last week's set is seen below, click here to view the entire post:








More discussion and comments on these photos can be found at the newsgroup rec.puzzles.

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Thursday, May 31, 2007

Set 172

995. Releasing the lock mechanism and turning the dial will loosen the rope and allow the two pieces of wood to be separated (approximately 6"-8" maximum). Patented in 1877, 12" long:

Take a look at Neatorama for more guesses on this device, he's giving away two T-shirts this week, one for the first correct answer and another for most humorous guess.











996. 10-3/4" long:

Larger photo














997a. 4" long, this tool has three functions:













998. 11" long, the head of this hammer is made of metal:

From Jim Brown's collection.











999. 16-1/2" long, this tool is missing its wood handle:














1000. 18" tall:






































Answers
























Last week's set is seen below, click here to view the entire post:








More discussion and comments on these photos can be found at the newsgroup rec.puzzles.

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Thursday, April 05, 2007

Set 164



946. Approximately 11" long, this tool is over 160 years old:




















947. 6-1/2" long, more guesses on this one can be seen on Neatorama:


The bottom is hollow.












948. 8-3/4" long:














949. 2" long:












950. 5" wide:












951. 48" long:































Answers

























Last week's set is seen below, click here to view the entire post:








More discussion and comments on these photos can be found at the newsgroup rec.puzzles.



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Thursday, November 02, 2006

Set 142

811. 5-5/8" tall:















The remaining pictures in this set were shot at the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association meeting last week, thanks to everyone there who allowed me to take these photos of their tools.


812. 5-1/2" long, the two upper pieces can be rotated:













813. 2" diameter











814. Approx. 4" tall:




A similar device, 5" diameter; along with naming these items also describe what profession used them and where:











815. 8" long, from the collection of Jim Moffet:


The two end pieces can pivot relative to one another, most likely used with the pieces at angle of 30 degrees or less.











816. Approx. 10" long, though it was probably used for numerous purposes, name the two particular things that this tool was primarily used with:














Answers



























Last week's set is seen below, click here to view the entire post:





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